Woods Bagot and SHoP Architects back from the drawing board with Melbourne’s first skyscraper skybridge

Nathan Johnson

Following an initial rejection from Victorian Planning, Woods Bagot and SHoP Architects have come back from the drawing board with a revised plan for 447 Collins Street Melbourne and it’s got a glass encased skybridge.

The architect’s original proposal for the 5926sqm island site was a 295-metre skyscraper, but that was rejected by planning. The architects have now returned with a heavily amended proposal which would see two towers, one commercial and one residential, link up at their apex to form Melbourne’s only skyscraper skybridge.

The dual 47 level towers would provide 269 hotel suites and 315 apartments, 68,365sqm of A-grade office space and 500sqm of retail space. The new proposal also sees an amended ground plane design introduced which would incorporate a tree grove, promenade and amphitheatre.

Then and now: Woods Bagot and SHoP Architects have come back to planning with a drastically different proposal after their original 295-metre tower (above) was rejected. Image: Woods Bagot/SHoP Architects

While the new proposal has seen the overall height significantly reduced to 165-metres, it would still be prohibited under Amendment C262 which was introduced in September because it would still cast a shadow over the north bank of the Yarra River.

The $1.25 billion project is now in the hands of Planning Minister Richard Wynne and the developers are asking for a waiver from Amendment C262 considering the project’s architectural merit.

The Planning Report from Urbis says the project, which features a 14 metre, glass-encased skybridge, is like none other in the city.

“The bridge link will result in a spectacular architectural form that will be uniquely Melbourne and will set this proposal apart from other contemporary architectural responses in this city,” says Urbis.

“The unique form is separated from the lower tower elements through variations in glazing type, punctuation of balconies to provide texture and the use of balustrades running vertically in line with the tower separation.

“The upper portion of the bridge link will also incorporate the textured chevron design to further add visual interest and break down the mass and scale that might otherwise be experienced.”